Episcopride on Parade

Images from the gay pride parades in San Francisco and St. Louis. The Episcopal Diocese of CA took part in the celebration and Christ Church Cathedral and Oasis Missouri marched in the St. Louis parade.

We're here! We're queer! And we believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth....

I LOVE seeing Episcopalians boldly proclaiming the welcome to all in a colorful and visible way in pride parades across the United States. I love that there are those in our Church who understand that one must get out there and walk alongside the LGBT community if one wants to demonstrate the love of Christ for God's children. Staying behind the doors of the church and quoting Galatians (in Christ there is neither Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female) in the futile hope that those OUTSIDE your doors will venture in just ain't gonna cut it. When it comes to my particular slice of "otherness" in humanity, the Church must make an effort to be more physically present and visible.

Think of it this way: those who have wrapped themselves in the banner of Christianity while slugging gay people over the head with a Bible have betrayed the love of God in the same way Peter denied Christ three times. Hence, it should be the mission of those who love Christ and understand the radically welcoming nature of God to then make that known to the gay community by demonstrating that love. "Do you love me?" If the answer is "yes", then "feed THESE sheep, too! Tend THIS flock, too!"

They're "getting it" in some parts of the country. The LGBT communities of San Francisco, St. Louis and many other cities are witnessing the love of God for them as shown forth by the Episcopal Church. And that DOES make a difference. As part of the celebrations, the Episcopalians provided eucharist to attendees. In fact, my college friend, the Very Rev. Mike Kinman at Christ Church Cathedral, was proudly announcing on Facebook that there would be a "Mass on the Grass" at the pride activities in St. Louis to celebrate Christ and remember and reunite with him in the ritual of the eucharist. How cool is that?

Sadly in Florida, especially north Florida, the gay community doesn't get to see this outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace because there is an insistence that it is still the winter season in our church. Never mind the fact that the sun (or is it that son?) is growing stronger and shining brighter. Despite the best efforts of the very fearful in our diocese, I believe there is no stopping or bridling the spirit of God that is blowing new life into the Church. It's simple: you can either ride along with it, or risk getting burned up in its flames. Your choice.